Just to the north of Lake Tana is the city of Gondar, filled with castles and palaces built by the Emperor Fasilidas (1632 - 1667) when he made this site his capital. With its brown basalt building material, Portuguese engineering skills and Arabian influences it is uncannily reminiscent of medieval Europe; a very odd sight in sub-Saharan Africa.

Simien Mountains

Some 90 kms north of Gondar is Debark, the entrance for the Simien Mountains National Park. Mount Ras Dashen, one of Africa's highest mountain (4,620 metres) is located in this range of volcanic peaks. The area is rich in wildlife and affords some superb trekking within an Alpine climatic zone. Temperatures fall to zero at night and the rainfall is high, making it wise to visit during the dry season in the Winter